Method for executing application, and electronic device supporting same

ABSTRACT

A foldable electronic device may include a flexible display, a sensor circuit, a processor and a memory. The foldable electronic device may be such that it: executes an application on the basis of a first mode, if a folding angle is within a first range; identifies a folding angle via the sensor circuit according to a first cycle while the application is executed in the first mode; if the identified folding angle is not within the first range, switches the execution mode of the application from the first mode to a second mode; and changes the range for switching the execution mode of the application from the first range to the second range based on at least one of the identified folding angles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/KR2022/002966, filed on Mar. 3, 2022, designating the United States,in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office, and claimingpriority to KR 10-2021-0049628 filed on Apr. 16, 2021, the disclosuresof which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND Field

Various example embodiments relate to a method for executing anapplication and/or an electronic device supporting the same.

Description of Related Art

An electronic device may visually provide various pieces of content(e.g., an image, text, and/or a video) using its display. Technologiesfor increasing a display surface of the electronic device have beendeveloped. For example, to improve portability of the electronic deviceand a size of the display, a technology for changing a form of theelectronic device has been developed. As an example, a part of theelectronic device may be folded or extended.

Particularly, a foldable electronic device including a flexible displaycapable of being folded or unfolded has been recently commercialized.The foldable electronic device may display a user interface havingvarious structures and forms on the flexible display as its foldingangle is changed. For example, in a state where the foldable electronicdevice is unfolded, a user may receive various functions through arelatively wide display screen. For another example, in a state wherethe foldable electronic device is folded, the user may conveniently holdand use the foldable electronic device.

SUMMARY

An electronic device including a flexible display may operate in aplurality of modes based on a specified folding angle. For example, theelectronic device may perform an operation in a first mode, a secondmode, and a third mode respectively corresponding to a first range(e.g., where the folding angle is greater than or equal to 0 degree andis less than 80 degrees), a second range (e.g., where the folding angleis greater than or equal to 80 degrees and is less than 130 degrees),and a third range (e.g., where the folding angle is greater than orequal to 130 degrees and is less than 180 degrees) with respect thefolding angle. The first mode and the third mode may be defined assubstantially the same mode. Because a user does not intuitivelyrecognize a folding angle corresponding to an intended operation mode(e.g., the second mode), there may occur a problem in which theelectronic device performs a specific function (e.g., a cameraapplication) in an operation mode (e.g., the first mode) which is notintended by the user in the process of changing the folding angle.

The user may want to receive a service based on a folding angledifferent for each application to be used. For example, when the userwants to receive a selfie function via the camera application, it may bepreferable that the folding angle of the electronic device correspondsto the second range. For another example, when the user wants to receivea function included in a calendar application or an album application,it may be preferable that the folding angle of the electronic devicecorresponds to a folding angle changed by a certain angle in the secondrange. However, because the electronic device changes an operation modebased on a predetermined folding angle, it may be difficult to flexiblyset the operation mode based on an application or an algorithm ofchanging a folding angle (e.g., a folding speed).

In accordance with an example embodiment(s), an electronic device isprovided. The electronic device may include a flexible display, a sensor(or a senor circuit) configured to detect a folding angle of thefoldable electronic device, a processor, and a memory operativelyconnected, directly or indirectly, with the processor. The memory maystore instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause theprocessor to be configured for causing the foldable electronic device toexecute an application based on a first mode, when the folding angle ofthe foldable electronic device belongs to a first range, identify thefolding angle depending on a first period using the sensor, whileexecuting the application in the first mode, switch the application fromthe first mode to a second mode, when the identified folding angle doesnot belong to the first range, and change a range for switching anexecution mode of the application from the first range to a second rangeusing at least a portion of the identified folding angle.

In accordance with an example embodiment(s), a method for executing anapplication in an electronic device is provided. The method may includeexecuting the application based on a first mode, when a folding angle ofthe foldable electronic device belongs to a first range, identifying thefolding angle depending on a first period using a sensor (or a sensorcircuit), while executing the application in the first mode, switchingthe application from the first mode to a second mode, when theidentified folding angle does not belong to the first range, andchanging a range for switching an execution mode of the application fromthe first range to a second range using at least a portion of theidentified folding angle.

According to an example embodiment(s), the electronic device may providevarious functions with regard to the convenience of the user dependingon a change in form.

According to an example embodiment(s), the electronic device may providevarious user interfaces and/or graphic user interfaces (GUIs) based on aform which is operating.

According to an example embodiment(s), the electronic device mayidentify a folding angle and/or a folding speed of the flexible displayand may flexibly change an operation mode, thus providing an applicationwhich is being executed in various structures.

According to an example embodiment(s), the electronic device may changean operation mode based on a different folding angle depending on a typeof an application which is being executed, thus improving availabilityand convenience.

In addition, various effects ascertained directly or indirectly throughthe disclosure may be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exampleembodiments will be more apparent from the following detaileddescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in anetwork environment 100 according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram 200 illustrating the camera module 180according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram 300 illustrating the display module 160according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram 400 illustrating the program 140 according tovarious example embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating components of an electronicdevice, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates an electronic device which varies in form, accordingto an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic device which varies in form, accordingto an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates an electronic device which varies in form, accordingto an example embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates an electronic device for changing an operation modebased on a folding angle, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates an electronic device for changing an operation modebased on a folding angle, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates an electronic device for changing an operation modebased on a folding angle, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates an operational flowchart of an electronic device,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates an operational flowchart of an electronic device,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates an operational flowchart of an electronic device,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates an operational flowchart of an electronic device,according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 16 illustrates an operational flowchart of an electronic device,according to an example embodiment.

With regard to description of drawings, the same or similar denotationsmay be used for the same or similar components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure may be described withreference to accompanying drawings. However, it should be understoodthat this is not intended to limit the disclosure to specificimplementation forms and includes various modifications, equivalents,and/or alternatives of embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in anetwork environment 100 according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG. 1 , the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 maycommunicate with an electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g.,a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of anelectronic device 104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., along-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment,the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101 may include a processor 120, memory 130, an input module 150, asound output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, asensor module 176, an interface 177, a connecting terminal 178, a hapticmodule 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, abattery 189, a communication module 190, a subscriber identificationmodule (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, atleast one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal 178) may beomitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other componentsmay be added in the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some ofthe components (e.g., the sensor module 176, the camera module 180, orthe antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single component (e.g.,the display module 160).

The processor 120 may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware orsoftware component) of the electronic device 101 coupled, directly orindirectly, with the processor 120, and may perform various dataprocessing or computation. According to an embodiment, as at least partof the data processing or computation, the processor 120 may store acommand or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module176 or the communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process thecommand or the data stored in the volatile memory 132, and storeresulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment,the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliaryprocessor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neuralprocessing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hubprocessor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operableindependently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor 121. Forexample, when the electronic device 101 includes the main processor 121and the auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may beadapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to bespecific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may beimplemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor 121.

The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of functions orstates related to at least one component (e.g., the display module 160,the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) among thecomponents of the electronic device 101, instead of the main processor121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state,or together with the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 isin an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to anembodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processoror a communication processor) may be implemented as part of anothercomponent (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190)functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123. According to anembodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., the neural processingunit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificialintelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may begenerated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., bythe electronic device 101 where the artificial intelligence is performedor via a separate server (e.g., the server 108). Learning algorithms mayinclude, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervisedlearning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. Theartificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificialneural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deepneural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrentneural network (RNN), a restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), a deepbelief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network(BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but isnot limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionallyor alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardwarestructure.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component(e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronicdevice 101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g.,the program 140) and input data or output data for a command relatedthererto. The memory 130 may include the volatile memory 132 or thenon-volatile memory 134.

The program 140 may be stored in the memory 130 as software, and mayinclude, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, oran application 146.

The input module 150 may receive a command or data to be used by anothercomponent (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101, fromthe outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The inputmodule 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard,a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output module 155 may output sound signals to the outside ofthe electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, forexample, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for generalpurposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver maybe used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment, thereceiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside(e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The display module 160 mayinclude, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector andcontrol circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display,hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the displaymodule 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or apressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred bythe touch.

The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electrical signal andvice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtainthe sound via the input module 150, or output the sound via the soundoutput module 155 or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g.,an electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupledwith the electronic device 101.

The sensor module 176 may detect an operational state (e.g., power ortemperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state(e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device 101, andthen generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to thedetected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 mayinclude, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmosphericpressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gripsensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, abiometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or anilluminance sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols to be usedfor the electronic device 101 to be coupled, directly or indirectly,with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102)directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, theinterface 177 may include, for example, a high definition multimediainterface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a securedigital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal 178 may include a connector via which theelectronic device 101 may be physically connected, directly orindirectly, with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronicdevice 102). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal 178 mayinclude, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD cardconnector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanicalstimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus whichmay be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinestheticsensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 mayinclude, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electricstimulator.

The camera module 180 may capture a still image or moving images.According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one ormore lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to theelectronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power managementmodule 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a powermanagement integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of theelectronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 mayinclude, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, asecondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g.,wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel betweenthe electronic device 101 and the external electronic device (e.g., theelectronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108) andperforming communication via the established communication channel. Thecommunication module 190 may include one or more communicationprocessors that are operable independently from the processor 120 (e.g.,the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired)communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment,the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wirelesscommunication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS)communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a localarea network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication(PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules maycommunicate with the external electronic device via the first network198 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™,wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA))or the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network,such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generationcommunication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN orwide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modulesmay be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or maybe implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate fromeach other. The wireless communication module 192 may identify andauthenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network, suchas the first network 198 or the second network 199, using subscriberinformation (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI))stored in the subscriber identification module 196.

The wireless communication module 192 may support a 5G network, after a4G network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., newradio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may supportenhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications(mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). Thewireless communication module 192 may support a high-frequency band(e.g., the mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate.The wireless communication module 192 may support various technologiesfor securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g.,beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO),full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, orlarge scale antenna. The wireless communication module 192 may supportvarious requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an externalelectronic device (e.g., the electronic device 104), or a network system(e.g., the second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wirelesscommunication module 192 may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps ormore) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) forimplementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each ofdownlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less) forimplementing URLLC.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to orfrom the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of theelectronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module197 may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of aconductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate(e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, theantenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., arrayantennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for acommunication scheme used in the communication network, such as thefirst network 198 or the second network 199, may be selected, forexample, by the communication module 190 (e.g., the wirelesscommunication module 192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal orthe power may then be transmitted or received between the communicationmodule 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at leastone antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., aradio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiatingelement may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form ammWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antennamodule may include a printed circuit board, a RFIC disposed on a firstsurface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, oradjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designatedhigh-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas(e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or aside surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the secondsurface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of thedesignated high-frequency band.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutuallyand communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via aninter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purposeinput and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobileindustry processor interface (MIPI)).

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted orreceived between the electronic device 101 and the external electronicdevice 104 via the server 108 coupled, directly or indirectly, with thesecond network 199. Each of the electronic devices 102 or 104 may be adevice of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronicdevice 101. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to beexecuted at the electronic device 101 may be executed at one or more ofthe external electronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, if theelectronic device 101 should perform a function or a serviceautomatically, or in response to a request from a user or anotherdevice, the electronic device 101, instead of, or in addition to,executing the function or the service, may request the one or moreexternal electronic devices to perform at least part of the function orthe service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving therequest may perform the at least part of the function or the servicerequested, or an additional function or an additional service related tothe request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronicdevice 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the outcome, with orwithout further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a replyto the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing,mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology maybe used, for example. The electronic device 101 may provide ultralow-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edgecomputing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 mayinclude an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be anintelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network.According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or theserver 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronicdevice 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home,smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communicationtechnology or IoT-related technology.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one ofvarious types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include,for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), acomputer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medicaldevice, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According toan embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limitedto those described above.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the presentdisclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit thetechnological features set forth herein to particular embodiments andinclude various changes, equivalents, or replacements for acorresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of thedrawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar orrelated elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a nouncorresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unlessthe relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, eachof such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one ofA or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least oneof A, B, or C,” may include any one of, or all possible combinations ofthe items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. Asused herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” maybe used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another,and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance ororder). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a firstelement) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or“communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or“connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means thatthe element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g.,wiredly), wirelessly, or via at least a third element(s).

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, theterm “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, orfirmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example,“logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a singleintegral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted toperform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment,the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC). Thus, each “module” herein may comprisecircuitry.

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software(e.g., the program 140) including one or more instructions that arestored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device 101).For example, a processor (e.g., the processor 120) of the machine (e.g.,the electronic device 101) may invoke at least one of the one or moreinstructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with orwithout using one or more other components under the control of theprocessor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at leastone function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The oneor more instructions may include a code generated by a compiler or acode executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage mediummay be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein,the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is atangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagneticwave), but this term does not differentiate between where data issemi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data istemporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments ofthe disclosure may be included and provided in a computer programproduct. The computer program product may be traded as a product betweena seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed inthe form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc readonly memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded)online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two userdevices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at leastpart of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or atleast temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such asmemory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store,or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or aprogram) of the above-described components may include a single entityor multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may beseparately disposed in different components. According to variousembodiments, one or more of the above-described components may beomitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively oradditionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) maybe integrated into a single component. In such a case, according tovarious embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one ormore functions of each of the plurality of components in the same orsimilar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of theplurality of components before the integration. According to variousembodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or anothercomponent may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, orheuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in adifferent order or omitted, or one or more other operations may beadded.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram 200 illustrating the camera module 180according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 2 , the cameramodule 180 may include a lens assembly 210, a flash 220, an image sensor230, an image stabilizer 240, memory 250 (e.g., buffer memory), or animage signal processor 260. The lens assembly 210 may collect lightemitted or reflected from an object whose image is to be taken. The lensassembly 210 may include one or more lenses. According to an embodiment,the camera module 180 may include a plurality of lens assemblies 210. Insuch a case, the camera module 180 may form, for example, a dual camera,a 360-degree camera, or a spherical camera. Some of the plurality oflens assemblies 210 may have the same lens attribute (e.g., view angle,focal length, auto-focusing, f number, or optical zoom), or at least onelens assembly may have one or more lens attributes different from thoseof another lens assembly. The lens assembly 210 may include, forexample, a wide-angle lens or a telephoto lens.

The flash 220 may emit light that is used to reinforce light reflectedfrom an object. According to an embodiment, the flash 220 may includeone or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) (e.g., a red-green-blue (RGB)LED, a white LED, an infrared (IR) LED, or an ultraviolet (UV) LED) or axenon lamp. The image sensor 230 may obtain an image corresponding to anobject by converting light emitted or reflected from the object andtransmitted via the lens assembly 210 into an electrical signal.According to an embodiment, the image sensor 230 may include oneselected from image sensors having different attributes, such as a RGBsensor, a black-and-white (BW) sensor, an IR sensor, or a UV sensor, aplurality of image sensors having the same attribute, or a plurality ofimage sensors having different attributes. Each image sensor included inthe image sensor 230 may be implemented using, for example, a chargedcoupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor(CMOS) sensor.

The image stabilizer 240 may move the image sensor 230 or at least onelens included in the lens assembly 210 in a particular direction, orcontrol an operational attribute (e.g., adjust the read-out timing) ofthe image sensor 230 in response to the movement of the camera module180 or the electronic device 101 including the camera module 180. Thisallows compensating for at least part of a negative effect (e.g., imageblurring) by the movement on an image being captured. According to anembodiment, the image stabilizer 240 may sense such a movement by thecamera module 180 or the electronic device 101 using a gyro sensor (notshown) or an acceleration sensor (not shown) disposed inside or outsidethe camera module 180. According to an embodiment, the image stabilizer240 may be implemented, for example, as an optical image stabilizer.

The memory 250 may store, at least temporarily, at least part of animage obtained via the image sensor 230 for a subsequent imageprocessing task. For example, if image capturing is delayed due toshutter lag or multiple images are quickly captured, a raw imageobtained (e.g., a Bayer-patterned image, a high-resolution image) may bestored in the memory 250, and its corresponding copy image (e.g., alow-resolution image) may be previewed via the display module 160.Thereafter, if a specified condition is met (e.g., by a user's input orsystem command), at least part of the raw image stored in the memory 250may be obtained and processed, for example, by the image signalprocessor 260. According to an embodiment, the memory 250 may beconfigured as at least part of the memory 130 or as a separate memorythat is operated independently from the memory 130.

The image signal processor 260 may perform one or more image processingwith respect to an image obtained via the image sensor 230 or an imagestored in the memory 250. The one or more image processing may include,for example, depth map generation, three-dimensional (3D) modeling,panorama generation, feature point extraction, image synthesizing, orimage compensation (e.g., noise reduction, resolution adjustment,brightness adjustment, blurring, sharpening, or softening). Additionallyor alternatively, the image signal processor 260 may perform control(e.g., exposure time control or read-out timing control) with respect toat least one (e.g., the image sensor 230) of the components included inthe camera module 180. An image processed by the image signal processor260 may be stored back in the memory 250 for further processing, or maybe provided to an external component (e.g., the memory 130, the displaymodule 160, the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or theserver 108) outside the camera module 180. According to an embodiment,the image signal processor 260 may be configured as at least part of theprocessor 120, or as a separate processor that is operated independentlyfrom the processor 120. If the image signal processor 260 is configuredas a separate processor from the processor 120, at least one imageprocessed by the image signal processor 260 may be displayed, by theprocessor 120, via the display module 160 as it is or after beingfurther processed.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include aplurality of camera modules 180 having different attributes orfunctions. In such a case, at least one of the plurality of cameramodules 180 may form, for example, a wide-angle camera and at leastanother of the plurality of camera modules 180 may form a telephotocamera. Similarly, at least one of the plurality of camera modules 180may form, for example, a front camera and at least another of theplurality of camera modules 180 may form a rear camera.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram 300 illustrating the display module 160according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 3 , the displaymodule 160 may include a display 310 and a display driver integratedcircuit (DDI) 330 to control the display 310. The DDI 330 may include aninterface module 331, memory 333 (e.g., buffer memory), an imageprocessing module 335, or a mapping module 337. The DDI 330 may receiveimage information that contains image data or an image control signalcorresponding to a command to control the image data from anothercomponent of the electronic device 101 via the interface module 331. Forexample, according to an embodiment, the image information may bereceived from the processor 120 (e.g., the main processor 121 (e.g., anapplication processor)) or the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphicsprocessing unit) operated independently from the function of the mainprocessor 121. The DDI 330 may communicate, for example, with touchcircuitry 350 or the sensor module 176 via the interface module 331. TheDDI 330 may also store at least part of the received image informationin the memory 333, for example, on a frame by frame basis.

The image processing module 335 may perform pre-processing orpost-processing (e.g., adjustment of resolution, brightness, or size)with respect to at least part of the image data. According to anembodiment, the pre-processing or post-processing may be performed, forexample, based at least in part on one or more characteristics of theimage data or one or more characteristics of the display 310.

The mapping module 337 may generate a voltage value or a current valuecorresponding to the image data pre-processed or post-processed by theimage processing module 335. According to an embodiment, the generatingof the voltage value or current value may be performed, for example,based at least in part on one or more attributes of the pixels (e.g., anarray, such as an RGB stripe or a pentile structure, of the pixels, orthe size of each subpixel). At least some pixels of the display 310 maybe driven, for example, based at least in part on the voltage value orthe current value such that visual information (e.g., a text, an image,or an icon) corresponding to the image data may be displayed via thedisplay 310.

According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may further includethe touch circuitry 350. The touch circuitry 350 may include a touchsensor 351 and a touch sensor IC 353 to control the touch sensor 351.The touch sensor IC 353 may control the touch sensor 351 to sense atouch input or a hovering input with respect to a certain position onthe display 310. To achieve this, for example, the touch sensor 351 maydetect (e.g., measure) a change in a signal (e.g., a voltage, a quantityof light, a resistance, or a quantity of one or more electric charges)corresponding to the certain position on the display 310. The touchcircuitry 350 may provide input information (e.g., a position, an area,a pressure, or a time) indicative of the touch input or the hoveringinput detected via the touch sensor 351 to the processor 120. Accordingto an embodiment, at least part (e.g., the touch sensor IC 353) of thetouch circuitry 350 may be formed as part of the display 310 or the DDI330, or as part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor 123)disposed outside the display module 160.

According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may further includeat least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, apressure sensor, or an illuminance sensor) of the sensor module 176 or acontrol circuit for the at least one sensor. In such a case, the atleast one sensor or the control circuit for the at least one sensor maybe embedded in one portion of a component (e.g., the display 310, theDDI 330, or the touch circuitry 350) of the display module 160. Forexample, when the sensor module 176 embedded in the display module 160includes a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), the biometricsensor may obtain biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint image)corresponding to a touch input received via a portion of the display310. As another example, when the sensor module 176 embedded in thedisplay module 160 includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor mayobtain pressure information corresponding to a touch input received viaa partial or whole area of the display 310. According to an embodiment,the touch sensor 351 or the sensor module 176 may be disposed betweenpixels in a pixel layer of the display 310, or over or under the pixellayer.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram 400 illustrating the program 140 according tovarious embodiments. According to an embodiment, the program 140 mayinclude an operating system (OS) 142 to control one or more resources ofthe electronic device 101, middleware 144, or an application 146executable in the OS 142. The OS 142 may include, for example, Android™,iOS™, Windows™, Symbian™, Tizen™, or Bada™. At least part of the program140, for example, may be pre-loaded on the electronic device 101 duringmanufacture, or may be downloaded from or updated by an externalelectronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102 or 104, or the server108) during use by a user.

The OS 142 may control management (e.g., allocating or deallocation) ofone or more system resources (e.g., process, memory, or power source) ofthe electronic device 101. The OS 142, additionally or alternatively,may include one or more driver programs to drive other hardware devicesof the electronic device 101, for example, the input module 150, thesound output module 155, the display module 160, the audio module 170,the sensor module 176, the interface 177, the haptic module 179, thecamera module 180, the power management module 188, the battery 189, thecommunication module 190, the subscriber identification module 196, orthe antenna module 197.

The middleware 144 may provide various functions to the application 146such that a function or information provided from one or more resourcesof the electronic device 101 may be used by the application 146. Themiddleware 144 may include, for example, an application manager 401, awindow manager 403, a multimedia manager 405, a resource manager 407, apower manager 409, a database manager 411, a package manager 413, aconnectivity manager 415, a notification manager 417, a location manager419, a graphic manager 421, a security manager 423, a telephony manager425, or a voice recognition manager 427.

The application manager 401, for example, may manage the life cycle ofthe application 146. The window manager 403, for example, may manage oneor more graphical user interface (GUI) resources that are used on ascreen. The multimedia manager 405, for example, may identify one ormore formats to be used to play media files, and may encode or decode acorresponding one of the media files using a codec appropriate for acorresponding format selected from the one or more formats. The resourcemanager 407, for example, may manage the source code of the application146 or a memory space of the memory 130. The power manager 409, forexample, may manage the capacity, temperature, or power of the battery189, and determine or provide related information to be used for theoperation of the electronic device 101 based at least in part oncorresponding information of the capacity, temperature, or power of thebattery 189. According to an embodiment, the power manager 409 mayinterwork with a basic input/output system (BIOS) (not shown) of theelectronic device 101.

The database manager 411, for example, may generate, search, or change adatabase to be used by the application 146. The package manager 413, forexample, may manage installation or update of an application that isdistributed in the form of a package file. The connectivity manager 415,for example, may manage a wireless connection or a direct connectionbetween the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device.The notification manager 417, for example, may provide a function tonotify a user of an occurrence of a specified event (e.g., an incomingcall, message, or alert). The location manager 419, for example, maymanage locational information on the electronic device 101. The graphicmanager 421, for example, may manage one or more graphic effects to beoffered to a user or a user interface related to the one or more graphiceffects.

The security manager 423, for example, may provide system security oruser authentication. The telephony manager 425, for example, may managea voice call function or a video call function provided by theelectronic device 101. The voice recognition manager 427, for example,may transmit a user's voice data to the server 108, and receive, fromthe server 108, a command corresponding to a function to be executed onthe electronic device 101 based at least in part on the voice data, ortext data converted based at least in part on the voice data. Accordingto an embodiment, the middleware 444 may dynamically delete someexisting components or add new components. According to an embodiment,at least part of the middleware 144 may be included as part of the OS142 or may be implemented as another software separate from the OS 142.

The application 146 may include, for example, a home 451, dialer 453,short message service (SMS)/multimedia messaging service (MMS) 455,instant message (IM) 457, browser 459, camera 461, alarm 463, contact465, voice recognition 467, email 469, calendar 471, media player 473,album 475, watch 477, health 479 (e.g., for measuring the degree ofworkout or biometric information, such as blood sugar), or environmentalinformation 481 (e.g., for measuring air pressure, humidity, ortemperature information) application. According to an embodiment, theapplication 146 may further include an information exchangingapplication (not shown) that is capable of supporting informationexchange between the electronic device 101 and the external electronicdevice. The information exchange application, for example, may include anotification relay application adapted to transfer designatedinformation (e.g., a call, message, or alert) to the external electronicdevice or a device management application adapted to manage the externalelectronic device. The notification relay application may transfernotification information corresponding to an occurrence of a specifiedevent (e.g., receipt of an email) at another application (e.g., theemail application 469) of the electronic device 101 to the externalelectronic device. Additionally or alternatively, the notification relayapplication may receive notification information from the externalelectronic device and provide the notification information to a user ofthe electronic device 101.

The device management application may control the power (e.g., turn-onor turn-off) or the function (e.g., adjustment of brightness,resolution, or focus) of the external electronic device or somecomponent thereof (e.g., a display module or a camera module of theexternal electronic device). The device management application,additionally or alternatively, may support installation, delete, orupdate of an application running on the external electronic device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating components of an electronicdevice 501, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment, the electronic device501 disclosed in the disclosure may include at least some of componentsof the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 )described above in conjunction with FIG. 1 . For example, the electronicdevice 501 may include a processor 520 (e.g., a processor 120 of FIG. 1), a memory 530 (e.g., a memory 130 of FIG. 1 ), a flexible display 560(e.g., a display module 160 of FIG. 1 , comprising a display), a sensorcircuit 576 (or a sensor) (e.g., a sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ,comprising at least one sensor), and/or a camera 580 (e.g., a cameramodule 180 of FIG. 1 , comprising a camera). The electronic device 501to be described below may be referred to as a device in a foldable form,but embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example,the electronic device 501 may be implemented in the form of a bendabledevice and/or a rollable device.

According to an embodiment, the processor 520 may be referred to as onecomponent for processing various processes executed by the electronicdevice 501. The processor 520 may be electrically or operatively coupledto (or connected, directly or indirectly, with) other components (e.g.,the memory 530, the flexible display 560, the sensor circuit 576, and/orthe camera 580) of the electronic device 501 and may be configured tocontrol the other components of the electronic device 501. In anembodiment, the processor 520 may process a data processing functionprovided by the electronic device 501 using information stored in thememory 530. In an embodiment, the processor 520 may divide the flexibledisplay 560 into a plurality of areas and may identify pieces ofinformation and/or user interfaces displayed on the divided areas. In anembodiment, the processor 520 may identify motion information (e.g., afolding angle and/or a folding speed) of the electronic device 501 usingthe sensor circuit 576. As an example, the processor 520 may store theinformation obtained using the sensor circuit 576 in the memory 530. Inan embodiment, the processor 520 may obtain at least one image using thecamera 580.

According to an embodiment, the memory 530 may store a command or data.For example, the memory 530 may store instructions, when executed by theprocessor 520, causing the electronic device 501 to perform variousoperations. For another example, the memory 530 may store informationassociated with various functions provided by the electronic device 501.As an example, the memory 530 may store information associated with thefolding angle and/or the folding speed of the electronic device 501. Thememory 530 may separately store the information associated with thefolding angle and/or the folding speed, on the basis of a type of anapplication executed by the electronic device 501 or an applicationexecution mode.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display 560 may displayinformation processed by the electronic device 501. The flexible display560 may be referred to as a display including at least one of a 3Ddisplay, a rollable display, or a foldable display. For example, theflexible display 560 may refer to a display, at least a part of hasflexibility. The flexible display 560 may be folded or unfolded around ahinge structure included in the electronic device 501. For example, theflexible display 560 may display another screen on each area of thedisplay physically and/or logically divided, under control of theprocessor 520. The electronic device 501 may be used in various forms,according to the folding angle of the flexible display 560. The use formor the operation mode of the electronic device 501 according to thefolding angle of the flexible display 560 will be referenced in detailin a description of FIGS. 6 to 11 , which will be described below.

According to an embodiment, the sensor circuit 576 may identify a formof the electronic device 501. The sensor circuit 576 may include varioustypes of sensors (e.g., a hall IC sensor, a digital hall IC sensor, anaccelerator sensor, a piezo sensor, a gyro sensor, a time of flight(ToF) sensor, a bending sensor, and/or a 6-axis sensor). The sensorcircuit 576 may obtain motion information of the electronic device 501using at least one of the various types of sensors. For example, thesensor circuit 576 may detect motion (e.g., folding) of the electronicdevice 501 and may obtain motion information corresponding to thedetected motion. For example, the processor 520 may identify a form (oran operation mode) of the electronic device 501 or may identifyinformation (e.g., a folding angle and/or a folding speed) associatedwith a change (e.g., folding/unfolding) in form of the electronic device501, based on the motion information obtained using the sensor circuit576.

According to an embodiment, the camera 580 may include a plurality ofcameras (e.g., a front camera and a rear camera). For example, thecamera 580 may be disposed on one surface (e.g., a front surface and/ora rear surface) of the electronic device 501. The one surface of theelectronic device 501 may include the same surface as a surface with theflexible display 560 or a different surface from the surface with theflexible display 560. Each of the plurality of cameras may be configuredto obtain an image with different resolution. For example, the processor520 may control to display at least one image obtained using the camera580 on one area of the flexible display 560. The processor 520 maytemporarily or permanently store the at least one image in the memory530.

The components shown in FIG. 5 are illustrative, and embodiments of thedisclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the electronicdevice/apparatus 501 may further include component(s) (e.g., an inputmodule 150 comprising input circuitry, a sound output module 155comprising output circuitry, and/or a communication module 190 of FIG. 1comprising communication circuitry) which are not shown in FIG. 5 or mayfail to include some of the shown components. For example, theelectronic device 501 may further include a housing. The housing mayinclude a hinge structure capable of having flexibility and changing theform of the electronic device 501.

FIG. 6 illustrates an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device 101of FIG. 1 ) which varies in form, according to as an embodiment.

The form of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101 ofFIG. 1 ) may be physically changed according to folding/unfolding. Forexample, the electronic device may include a housing 610 and a display630 (e.g., a display module 160 of FIG. 1 or a flexible display 560 ofFIG. 5 ), which have flexibility in at least a part thereof. Theelectronic device may be folded (e.g., opened) or unfolded (e.g.,closed) around the part having the flexibility of the electronic device.Reference numeral 600 a may be referred to as an example of a statewhere the electronic device is unfolded. Reference numeral 600 b may bereferred to as an example of a state where the electronic device isfolded. For example, the part where the electronic device has theflexibility may be referred to as a folding part 620. The folding part620 refers to a part (e.g., a hinge structure) or an area where the formof the electronic device is able to be changed, which is not limited toa specific structure.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may be folded up anddown. For example, the electronic device may include the display 630 andthe housing 610, which have flexibility in a part corresponding to thefolding part 620. The electronic device may be folded up and down aroundthe folding part 620. It is illustrated that the electronic device is anin-fold electronic device which is folded to the inside of the display630 in FIG. 6 , but embodiments of the disclosure are not limitedthereto. For example, the electronic device may be out-folded at thefolding part 620 or may be in-folded and out-folded at the folding part620. For another example, the display 630 is illustrated as one display,but embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. Theelectronic device may include a plurality of displays divided along thefolding part 620. The electronic device may operate by dividing the areaof the display 630 with respect to the folding part 620. The housing 610may also include a plurality of housings divided along the folding part620. For another example, the electronic device may be a combination ofa plurality of electronic devices coupled, directly or indirectly, to befolded around the folding part 620. In this case, the plurality ofelectronic devices may be coupled to each other by a separate structure(e.g., a housing and/or a hinge).

The change in the physical form of the electronic device illustrated inFIG. 6 is illustrative, and embodiments of the disclosure are notlimited thereto. For example, the electronic device may be folded orunfolded around any axis. Furthermore, the form of the electronic deviceis divided and described into reference numeral 600 a and referencenumeral 600 b in FIG. 6 , but this is illustrative and embodiments ofthe disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the electronicdevice may operate in a half-folding form. The description of theelectronic device which operates in the half-folding form may bereferenced in detail in a description of FIGS. 7 to 11 .

FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device 101of FIG. 1 or an electronic device 501 of FIG. 5 ) which varies in form,according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment, the electronic devicemay be used in various operation forms (e.g., a folding mode 700 a, atable mode 700 b, and an unfolding mode 700 c) divided with respect to afolding angle.

In the folding mode 700 a, the electronic device may be used in the sameform as a smartphone in a general bar form. In the folding mode 700 a,the folding angle of a housing 710 may be 0 angle. In the folding mode700 a, the electronic device may display various pieces of content on adisplay 760. For example, the display 760 where the electronic devicedisplays content in the folding mode 700 a may be referred to as aseparate display physically separated from the above-mentioned flexibledisplay (e.g., a flexible display 560 of FIG. 5 ).

In the table mode 700 b, the electronic device may be used in the sameform a laptop, in a state where it is put on a desk or a hand of a user.In the table mode 700 b, a folding angle a7-1 of the housing 710 of theelectronic device may be 80 degrees to 130 degrees, but embodiments ofthe disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the electronicdevice may operate in the table mode 700 b based on a different angledepending on a type of an application to be executed. As an example,while executing a camera application, the electronic device may operatein the table mode 700 b when the folding angle a7-1 is 80 degrees to 110degrees. As another example, while executing another application (e.g.,a calendar application (e.g., a calendar 471 of FIG. 4 ) or an albumapplication (e.g., an album 475 of FIG. 4 )) except for the cameraapplication, the electronic device may operate in the table mode 700 bwhen the folding angle a7-1 is 80 degrees to 140 degrees. In the tablemode 700 b, the electronic device may control to divide an area of adisplay (e.g., a flexible display 560 of FIG. 5 ) with respect to afolding part (e.g., a folding part 620 of FIG. 6 ) and output differentcontent on each area. For example, when executing the cameraapplication, the electronic device may control to display various userinterfaces (e.g., a capture button, a stop button, and/or a capture modechange button) for controlling an operation of the camera application ona first area 761 a and display at least one image obtained using acamera (e.g., a camera 180 of FIG. 1 ) on a second area 761 b. Accordingto an embodiment, when executing the application based on the table mode700 b, the electronic device may display a screen different from thefolding mode 700 a and the unfolding mode 700 c on the flexible display.For example, when the operation mode changes from the folding mode 700 aor the unfolding mode 700 c to the table mode 700 b (or when the foldingangle of the housing 710 changes) while executing a specifiedapplication, the electronic device may display a user interfacedifferent from a user interface corresponding to the specifiedapplication displayed in the folding mode 700 a or the unfolding mode700 c on the first area 761 a and/or the second area 761 b.

In the unfolding mode 700 c, the electronic device may be used in thesame form as a general tablet. For example, the electronic device mayprovide content to one area (e.g., the first area 761 a and/or thesecond area 761 b) of the flexible display. In the unfolding mode 700 c,a folding angle a7-2 of the housing 710 of the electronic device may be180 degrees.

FIG. 8 illustrates an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device 101of FIG. 1 or an electronic device 501 of FIG. 5 ) which varies in form,according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8 , according to an embodiment, the electronic devicemay include a folding part 820 (or a hinge structure) (e.g., a foldingpart 620 of FIG. 6 ) which is included in at least a part of a housing810 and has flexibility. The electronic device may be used in variousoperation forms 800 a, 800 b, and 800 c divided with respect to afolding angle of the folding part 820.

Referring to reference numeral 800 a, according to an embodiment, theelectronic device may include a flexible display (e.g., a flexibledisplay 560 of FIG. 5 ) divided with respect to the folding part 820.For example, the electronic device may include a flexible displaydivided into a first area 861 a (e.g., a first area 761 a of FIG. 7 )and a second area 861 b (e.g., a second area 761 b of FIG. 7 ) withrespect to the folding part 820. In a form based on reference numeral800 a, the electronic device may display and provide various pieces ofcontent on the first area 861 a and/or the second area 861 b. Thedivision of the area of the flexible display may be the division of alogical or physical area. In an embodiment, an operation mode of theelectronic device based on reference numeral 800 a may be referred to asa flex mode. In another embodiment, the operation mode of the electronicdevice based on reference numeral 800 a may be substantially the sameoperation mode as the table mode 700 b of FIG. 7 described above.

Referring to reference numeral 800 b and reference numeral 800 c,according to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include aseparate display 860 (e.g., a display module 160 of FIG. 1 ) physicallyseparated from the flexible display. For example, in an operation modeaccording to reference numeral 800 b or reference numeral 800 c, theelectronic device may display and provide various pieces of content onthe display 860. As an example, in the operation mode according toreference numeral 800 b or reference numeral 800 c, the electronicdevice may display and provide various pieces of content on the display860 in a state where it is put on a desk or a hand of a user. In anembodiment, the operation mode of the electronic device based onreference numeral 800 b may be referred to as a flex cover mode. In anembodiment, the operation mode of the electronic device based onreference numeral 800 c may be referred to as a flex tent mode.

In FIGS. 9 and 10 below, a description will be given of an operation ofthe electronic device which differently converts a range for switchingan execution mode of an application based on a type of the application.For example, FIG. 9 may be a drawing illustrating an electronic devicefor executing a first application (e.g., a camera 461 of FIG. 4 or avideo call application) among a plurality of applications. For anotherexample, FIG. 10 may be a drawing illustrating an electronic device forexecuting a second application (e.g., an application for an album 475 ora calendar 471 of FIG. 4 ) among a plurality of applications. Accordingto an embodiment, the electronic device may adaptively change the rangefor switching the execution mode of the application based on variousparameters (e.g., when executing the application based on a specificfolding angle, a duration of the specific folding angle, a frequency ofexecution where the application is executed at the specific foldingangle, or an execution mode of the application executed at the specificfolding angle). For example, when executing the application based on aspecified mode, the electronic device may detect a folding angle on aperiodic basis or in real time while the application is executed, mayidentify a duration of the specific folding angle among the detectedfolding angles, and may determine whether to change a range forswitching the execution mode of the application based on the identifiedresult. As an example, when the duration is greater than a specifiedtime, the electronic device may change the range for switching theexecution mode of the application. Thus, the electronic device mayidentify various folding angles preferred per user in response to aspecified execution mode and may intuitively change the range forswitching the execution mode of the application.

FIG. 9 illustrates an electronic device for changing an operation modebased on a folding angle, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9 , according to an embodiment, an electronic device(e.g., an electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ) may include a plurality ofdisplay areas 961 a and 961 b divided with respect to a folding part 920(or a hinge structure) (e.g., folding parts 620 and 820 of FIGS. 6 and 8). For example, the division of the plurality of display areas 961 a and961 b may be the division of physical or logical areas of a flexibledisplay (e.g., a display module 160 of FIG. 1 ) included in theelectronic device. The electronic device may display various pieces ofcontent on the first area 961 a (e.g., a first area 661 a of FIG. 6 or afirst area 861 a of FIG. 8 ) and/or the second area 961 b (e.g., asecond area 661 b of FIG. 6 or a second area 861 b of FIG. 8 ) of theflexible display. In an embodiment, the electronic device may identify afolding angle and may variously switch an execution mode of anapplication (e.g., an application for a camera 461, a calendar 471, oran album 475 of FIG. 4 ) depending on a range to which the folding anglebelongs. For example, the application executed by the electronic devicein FIG. 9 may be a first application (e.g., a camera 461 of FIG. 4 )configured to use a camera (e.g., a camera module 180 of FIG. 1 ).According to, the electronic device may detect a folding angle using asensor circuit (e.g., a sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ). For example, theelectronic device may determine whether the folding angle belongs to aspecified range and may execute the first application based on variousexecution modes.

Referring to reference numeral 900 a, according to an embodiment, whenthe folding angle belongs to a first range 911, the electronic devicemay execute the first application based on a first mode. While executingthe first application based on the first mode, the electronic device maydisplay at least one image obtained using the camera on the second area961 b of the flexible display. For example, the first range 911 may bereferred to as a range where the folding angle corresponds to 80 degreesor 130 degrees, but this is illustrative and embodiments of thedisclosure are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, while executingthe first application in the first mode, the electronic device mayidentify a folding angle of the electronic device depending on a firstperiod (e.g., 10 seconds) using the sensor circuit. For example, whenthe identified folding angle does not belong to the first range 911, theelectronic device may switch the execution mode of the first applicationfrom the first mode to a second mode. As an example, when it isdetermined that the identified folding angle belongs to a 1-1st range913 or a 1-2nd range 915, the electronic device may switch the executionmode of the first application from the first mode to the second mode.The electronic device may change a range for switching the executionmode of the first application from the first range 911 to a second range912, using at least a portion of the identified folding angle. Forexample, the electronic device may change the range for switching theexecution mode of the first application from the first range 911 to thesecond range 912, using a maximum or high value among a plurality offolding angles of the electronic device, which are identified whileexecuting the first application based on the first mode. As an example,when the application which is being executed corresponds to the firstapplication, the electronic device may determine a maximum or high valuein the second range 912 as a first value (e.g., 110 degrees) less than afirst value (e.g., 130 degrees) corresponding to a maximum or high valuein the first range 911. The second value may be a value determined basedon the maximum or high value among the plurality of folding angles. Forexample, the electronic device may identify the maximum or high valueamong the plurality of folding angles and may determine a value obtainedby adding a specified value (e.g., 10 degrees) to the maximum or highvalue (e.g., 100 degrees) as the second value (e.g., 110 degrees). In anembodiment, a minimum or a low value (e.g., 80 degrees) in the firstrange 911 may be referred to as substantially the same value as aminimum value in the second range 912. In an embodiment, the electronicdevice may change the range for switching the execution mode of thefirst application in response to the occurrence of a specified event.For example, the electronic device may detect a folding angle based on aspecified period or in real time while executing the first applicationbased on the first mode. The electronic device may compare the foldingangle detected based on the specified period or in real time with apredetermined folding angle range (e.g., the first range 911) and maychange the range for switching the execution mode of the firstapplication from the first range 911 to the second range 912 when thecompared result meets a specified condition. The specified condition maybe at least one of a difference between the detected folding angle andthe predetermined folding angle range, an amount of the detected foldingangle data, a frequency of the detected folding angle, or a duration ofthe detected folding angle.

According to an embodiment, reference numeral 900 b illustrates anoperation of the electronic device after changing the range forswitching the execution mode of the first application to the secondrange 912. For example, the electronic device may gradually change therange for switching the execution mode of the first application from thefirst range 911 to the second range 912. As an example, the electronicdevice may gradually change a maximum or high value in the range forswitching the execution mode of the first application from a maximum orhigh value (130 degrees) in the first mode 911 to a maximum or highvalue (e.g., 110 degrees) in the second mode 912. According to anembodiment, when the folding angle belongs to the second range 912, theelectronic device may execute the first application based on the firstmode. For example, while executing the first application based on thefirst mode, the electronic device may display at least one imageobtained using the camera on the second area 961 b of the flexibledisplay. In an embodiment, after changing the range for switching theexecution mode of the first application from the first range 911 to thesecond range 912, the electronic device may monitor a folding angle ofthe electronic device using the sensor circuit. For example, when themonitored folding angle does not belong to the second range 912, theelectronic device may switch the execution mode of the first applicationfrom the first mode to the second mode. As an example, when it isdetermined that the identified folding angle(or monitored folding angle)belongs to a 2-1st range 914 or a 2-2nd range 916, the electronic devicemay switch the execution mode of the first application from the firstmode to the second mode. As another example, when it is determined thatthe monitored folding angle belongs between a first value and a secondvalue, the electronic device may display guide information associatedwith a folding angle for switching the execution mode of the firstapplication on one area of the flexible display. A description of theguide information displayed by the electronic device may be referencedin detail in a description of FIG. 11 , which will be described below.

FIG. 10 illustrates an electronic device for changing an operation modebased on a folding angle, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10 , according to an embodiment, an electronic device(e.g., an electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ) may include a plurality ofdisplay areas 1061 a and 1061 b divided with respect to a folding part1020 (or a hinge structure) (e.g., folding parts 620 and 820 of FIGS. 6and 8 ). The electronic device may display various pieces of content onthe first area 1061 a (e.g., a first area 661 a of FIG. 6 or a firstarea 861 a of FIG. 8 ) and/or the second area 1061 b (e.g., a secondarea 661 b of FIG. 6 or a second area 861 b of FIG. 8 ) of a flexibledisplay. For example, the application executed by the electronic devicein FIG. 10 may be a second application (e.g., a calendar 471 or an album475 of FIG. 4 ) configured not to use a camera (e.g., a camera module180 of FIG. 1 ). In an embodiment, the electronic device may detect afolding angle using a sensor circuit (e.g., a sensor module 176 of FIG.1 ). For example, the electronic device may determine whether thefolding angle belongs to a specified range and may execute the secondapplication based on various execution modes. A description duplicatedwith FIG. 9 in the description of FIG. 10 may be replaced with theabove-mentioned description of FIG. 9 .

Referring to reference numeral 1000 a, according to an embodiment, whenthe folding angle belongs to a first range 1011 (e.g., a first range 911of FIG. 9 ), the electronic device may execute the second applicationbased on a first mode. In an embodiment, while executing the secondapplication in the first mode, the electronic device may identify afolding angle of the electronic device depending on a first period(e.g., 10 seconds) using the sensor circuit. For example, when theidentified folding angle does not belong to the first range 1011, theelectronic device may switch an execution mode of the second applicationfrom the first mode to a second mode. As an example, when it isdetermined that the identified folding angle belongs to a 1-1st range1013 (e.g., a 1-1st range 913 of FIG. 9 ) or a 1-2nd range 1015 (e.g.,1-2nd range 915 of FIG. 9 ), the electronic device may switch theexecution mode of the application (e.g., the second application) fromthe first mode to the second mode. The electronic device may change arange for switching the execution mode of the application (e.g., thesecond application) from the first range 1011 to a second range 1012,using at least a portion of the identified folding angle. For example,the electronic device may change the range for switching the executionmode of the second application from the first range 1011 to the secondrange 1012, using a maximum value among a plurality of folding angles ofthe electronic device, which are identified while executing the secondapplication based on the first mode. As an example, when the applicationwhich is being executed corresponds to the second application, theelectronic device may determine a maximum value in the second range 1012as a third value (e.g., 140 degrees) greater than a first value (e.g.,130 degrees) corresponding to a maximum value in the first range 1011.The third value may be a value determined based on the maximum valueamong the plurality of folding angles. For example, the electronicdevice may identify the maximum value among the plurality of foldingangles and may determine a value obtained by adding a specified value(e.g., 10 degrees) to the maximum value (e.g., 130 degrees) as the thirdvalue (e.g., 140 degrees). In an embodiment, a minimum or a low value(e.g., 80 degrees) in the first range 1011 may be referred to assubstantially the same value as a minimum or a low value in the secondrange 1012. In an embodiment, the electronic device may change the rangefor switching the execution mode of the second application in responseto the occurrence of a specified event. For example, the electronicdevice may detect a folding angle based on a specified period or in realtime while executing the second application based on the first mode. Theelectronic device may compare the folding angle detected based on thespecified period or in real time with a predetermined folding anglerange (e.g., the first range 1011) and may change the range forswitching the execution mode of the second application from the firstrange 1011 to the second range 1012 when the compared result meets aspecified condition. The specified condition may be at least one of adifference between the detected folding angle and the predeterminedfolding angle range, an amount of the detected folding angle data, afrequency of the detected folding angle, or a duration of the detectedfolding angle.

The second range 1012 of FIG. 10 may have a threshold different from thesecond range 912 described above in the description of FIG. 9 . Forexample, the electronic device may differently change a range forswitching the execution mode of the application, depending on a type ofthe application. For example, the second range 1012 of FIG. 10 may bereferred to as the case where the folding angle of the electronic deviceis 80 degrees to 140 degrees. In other words, a maximum value (e.g., 140degrees) in the second range 1012 of FIG. 10 may have a value greaterthan a maximum value (e.g., 110 degrees) in a second range 912 of FIG. 9.

According to an embodiment, reference numeral 1000 b illustrates anoperation of the electronic device after changing the range forswitching the execution mode of the second application to the secondrange 1012. For example, the electronic device may gradually change therange for switching the execution mode of the second application fromthe first range 1011 to the second range 1012. As an example, theelectronic device may gradually change a maximum value in the range forswitching the execution mode of the second application from a maximumvalue (e.g., 130 degrees) in the first mode 1011 to a maximum value(e.g., 140 degrees) in the second mode 1012. According to an embodiment,when the folding angle belongs to the second range 1012, the electronicdevice may execute the second application based on the first mode. In anembodiment, after changing the range for switching the execution mode ofthe application (e.g., the second application) from the first range 1011to the second range 1012, the electronic device may monitor a foldingangle of the electronic device using the sensor circuit. For example,when the monitored folding angle does not belong to the second range1012, the electronic device may switch the execution mode of the secondapplication from the first mode to the second mode. As an example, whenit is determined that the identified folding angle (or monitored foldingangle) belongs to a 2-1st range 1014 or a 2-2nd range 1016, theelectronic device may switch the execution mode of the secondapplication from the first mode to the second mode. As another example,when it is determined that the monitored folding angle belongs between afirst value and a third value, the electronic device may display guideinformation associated with a folding angle for switching the executionmode of the second application on one area of the flexible display. Adescription of the guide information displayed by the electronic devicemay be referenced in detail in a description of FIG. 11 , which will bedescribed below.

The contents where the electronic device changes the folding angle forswitching the execution mode of the application based on the foldingangle are described in FIGS. 9 and 10 , but embodiments of thedisclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic devicemay switch the execution mode of the application based on a foldingspeed obtained via the sensor circuit.

According to an embodiment, while executing the application based on thesecond mode, the electronic device may identify a folding angle of theelectronic device depending on a second period (e.g., 0.1 seconds),using the sensor circuit. The electronic device may calculate a foldingspeed of a foldable electronic device using at least a portion of theidentified folding angle. For example, the at least a portion of theidentified folding angle may refer to a folding angle identified withina specified interval (e.g., an interval before 1 second from a timepoint when the folding angle is lastly identified) in the identifiedfolding angle. For example, the folding speed may be referred to as aspeed at which at least a part of a housing of the electronic device(e.g., a part corresponding to a first area 1061 a of FIG. 10 ) isunfolded. As an example, the electronic device may detect a foldingspeed of at least a part of the housing of the electronic device usingthe sensor circuit (e.g., an accelerator sensor). As another example,the folding speed may be defined as an angular speed calculated using afolding angle and a time, which are monitored by the electronic device.As an example, the electronic device may monitor a folding angle of theelectronic device using the sensor circuit and may divide the monitoredfolding angle by the monitored time to calculate a folding speed of theelectronic device.

According to an embodiment, when the calculated folding speed is greaterthan a predetermined speed, the electronic device may generate areference speed to switch the execution mode of the application. Forexample, the predetermined speed may be a value set in a stage ofproducing the electronic device and may be a setting value changed bymanipulation of a user. In an embodiment, while executing theapplication based on the first mode, the electronic device may monitor afolding speed of the electronic device using the sensor circuit. Forexample, when the monitored folding speed is greater than the generatedreference speed, the electronic device may switch the execution mode ofthe application from the first mode to the second mode. When switchingthe execution mode of the application from the first mode to the secondmode based on the folding speed, the electronic device may displayinformation associated with switching the execution mode of theapplication on one area of the flexible display. For example, theelectronic device may display guide information that the execution modeof the application is switched based on the folding speed, on one areaof the flexible display.

FIG. 11 illustrates an electronic device for changing an operation modebased on a folding angle, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11 , according to an embodiment, an electronic device(e.g., an electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ) may include a plurality ofdisplay areas 1161 a and 1161 b divided with respect to a folding part1120 (or a hinge structure) (e.g., folding parts 620 and 820 of FIGS. 6and 8 ). For example, an application executed by the electronic devicein FIG. 11 may be a first application (e.g., a camera 461 of FIG. 4 )configured to use a camera 1180 (e.g., a camera module 180 of FIG. 1 ),but embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. In anembodiment, an execution operation of the application of the electronicdevice shown in FIG. 11 may correspond to an operation performed afterthe electronic device changes a range for switching an execution mode ofan application in FIGS. 9 and 10 .

Referring to reference numeral 1100 a, according to an embodiment, theelectronic device may operate in a state where it is folded at a firstangle a11-1 (e.g., 180 degrees). The electronic device may detect thatthe folding angle is the first angle a11-1 using a sensor circuit. Theelectronic device may determine whether the identified first angle a11-1belongs to a specified range (e.g., a second range 912 of FIG. 9 )(e.g., 80 degrees to 110 degrees). For example, when the folding angledoes not belong to the specified range, the electronic device mayexecute the execution mode of the application in the second mode. Theelectronic device according to reference numeral 1100 a may determinethat the first angle a11-1 is not included in the specified range andmay execute and display the application based on the second mode on aflexible display. For example, the electronic device may display atleast one image obtained using the camera 1180 on a portion of a firstarea 1161 a of the flexible display and a portion of a second area 1161b of the flexible display.

Referring to reference numeral 1100 b, according to an embodiment, theelectronic device may operate in a state where it is folded at a secondangle a11-2 (e.g., 130 degrees). The electronic device may detect thatthe folding angle is the second angle a11-2 using a sensor circuit. Theelectronic device may determine whether the identified second angle (ordetected second angle) a11-2 belongs to a specified range. The foldingangle of the electronic device according to reference numeral 1100 b maybelong to between a maximum value of a first range (e.g., a first range911 of FIG. 9 ) before changing a range for switching the execution modeof the application and a maximum value in a second range (e.g., a secondrange 912 of FIG. 9 ) after changing the range for switching theexecution mode of the application. For example, the folding angle of theelectronic device may belong to a first value which is the maximum valuein the first range and a second value which is the maximum value in thesecond range. In an embodiment, the electronic device may monitor afolding angle using the sensor circuit while executing the applicationbased on the second mode and may display a user interface 1150 includingguide information associated with a folding angle for switching theexecution mode of the application on one area of the flexible display,when the monitored folding angle belongs the first value and the secondvalue. For example, when the folding angle corresponds to a value lessthan a current state, the electronic device may display the userinterface 1150 including guide information that it is able to change theexecution mode of the application on the second area 1161 b of theflexible display.

Referring to reference numeral 1100 c, according to an embodiment, theelectronic device may operate in a state where it is folded at a foldingangle which is an angle between a third angle a11-3 (e.g., 110 degrees)and a fourth angle a11-4 (e.g., 80 degrees). The electronic device maydetect that the folding angle is the angle between the third angle a11-3and the fourth angle a11-4 using the sensor circuit. The folding angleof the electronic device according to reference numeral 1100 c maybelong to the second range which is after changing the range forswitching the execution mode of the application. When it is determinedthat the folding angle is included in the second range, the electronicdevice may switch the execution mode of the application from the secondmode to a first mode. For example, while executing the first applicationbased on the first mode, the electronic device may display at least oneimage obtained using the camera 1180 on the second area 1161 b and mayfail to display the at least one image on the first area 1161 a.

FIG. 12 illustrates an operational flowchart 1200 of an electronicdevice, according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., an electronicdevice 101 of FIG. 1 ) may perform operations disclosed in FIG. 12 . Forexample, a processor (e.g., a processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) of theelectronic device may be configured to perform operations of FIG. 12when executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 130 ofFIG. 1 ). In a description of FIG. 12 , which will be described below,the electronic device may change a range for switching an execution modeof an application based on a folding angle from a predetermined range(e.g., a first range 911 or 1011 of FIG. 9 or 10 ) to a new range (e.g.,a second range 912 or 1012 of FIG. 9 or 10 ).

In operation 1205, the electronic device may identify whether thefolding angle belongs a first range (e.g., the first range 911 or 1011of FIG. 9 or 10 ) (e.g., 80 degrees to 130 degrees). For example, theelectronic device may identify a folding angle of the electronic deviceusing a sensor circuit (e.g., a sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ). Theelectronic device may execute an application based on another executionmode as a range to which the folding angle belongs is changed.

When it is determined that the folding angle belongs to the first range(e.g., operation 1205—Yes) in operation 1205, the electronic device mayexecute the application based on a first mode.

When it is determined that the folding angle does not belong to thefirst range (e.g., operation 1205—No) in operation 1205, the electronicdevice may continue monitoring a folding angle.

In operation 1210, the electronic device may execute the application inthe first mode. For example, the application executed by the electronicdevice may be divided into a first application (e.g., a camera 461 ofFIG. 4 ) and a second application (e.g., a calendar 471 or an album 475of FIG. 4 ) depending to whether it is configured to use a camera. Theelectronic device may separately identify a type of an application whichis being executed. For example, while executing the first applicationbased on the first mode, the electronic device may display at least oneimage obtained using the camera (e.g., a camera module 180 of FIG. 1 )on a second area (e.g., a second area 1161 b of FIG. 11 ) on a flexibledisplay (e.g., a display module 160 of FIG. 1 ).

In operation 1215, the electronic device may identify a folding anglebased on a first period. For example, the first period may be referredto as 10 seconds, but this is illustrative and embodiments of thedisclosure are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the electronicdevice may identify an amount of change in the folding angle of theelectronic device on the basis of a specified time point.

In operation 1220, the electronic device may determine whether theidentified folding angle belongs to the first range. For example, theelectronic device may determine whether the folding angle identifiedbased on the first period belongs to the first range.

When it is determined that the folding angle belongs to the first range(e.g., operation 1220—Yes) in operation 1220, the electronic device mayrepeatedly perform operation 1215.

When it is determined that the folding angle does not belong to thefirst range (e.g., operation 1220—No) in operation 1220, the electronicdevice may perform operation 1225.

In operation 1225, the electronic device may switch an execution mode ofthe application to a second mode. For example, the electronic device mayswitch the execution mode of the application which is being executed inthe first mode to the second mode. The criterion for dividing theexecution mode of the application, which is divided into the first modeand the second mode, may be referred to as dividing an area of theflexible display into a plurality of areas and displaying another screenfor each area, but this is illustrative and embodiments of thedisclosure are not limited thereto. Furthermore, it is described thatthe execution mode of the application is limited to the first mode andthe second mode, but the execution mode of the application may furtherinclude at least one execution mode.

In operation 1230, the electronic device may change a range forswitching the execution mode of the application from the first range toa second range (e.g., a second range 912 of FIG. 9 or a second range1012 of FIG. 10 ). In an embodiment, the electronic device may changethe range from the first range to the second range using at least aportion of the identified folding angle. For example, the electronicdevice may change the range for switching the execution mode of theapplication from the first range to the second range, using a maximumvalue among folding angles identified according to the first periodwhile executing the application, based on the first mode. The firstrange may include a first value (e.g., 130 degrees) corresponding to themaximum value. For example, when the application which is being executedby the electronic device is a first application configured to use thecamera, the second range may correspond to the maximum value and mayinclude a second value (e.g., 110 degrees) less than the first value.For another example, when the application which is being executed by theelectronic device is a second application configured not to use thecamera, the second range may correspond to the maximum value and mayinclude a third value (e.g., 140 degrees) greater than the first value.In other words, the electronic device may set and change the range forswitching the execution mode of the application which is being executedto another range depending on a type of the application.

FIG. 13 illustrates an operational flowchart 1300 of an electronicdevice, according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., an electronicdevice 101 of FIG. 1 ) may perform operations disclosed in FIG. 13 . Forexample, a processor (e.g., a processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) of theelectronic device may be configured to perform operations of FIG. 13when executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 130 ofFIG. 1 ). In a description of FIG. 13 , the application executed by theelectronic device may be a first application (e.g., a camera 461 of FIG.4 ) configured to use a camera. An operation of the electronic deviceaccording to FIG. 13 may be referred to as an operation after theoperation of FIG. 12 is performed.

In operation 1305, the electronic device may monitor a folding angle.For example, after changing the range for switching the execution modeof the application to the second range in the above-mentioneddescription of FIG. 12 , the electronic device may monitor the foldingangle of the electronic device in real time or based on a specifiedperiod using a sensor circuit (e.g., a sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ).

In operation 1310, the electronic device may determine whether themonitored folding angle belongs to between a first value and a secondvalue. The first value may correspond to a maximum value in a firstrange (e.g., a first range 911 of FIG. 9 ). The second value maycorrespond to a maximum value in a second range (e.g., a second range912 of FIG. 9 ). For example, the second value may be referred to as avalue less than the first value, but embodiments of the disclosure arenot limited thereto.

When it is determined that the monitored folding angle belongs tobetween the first value and the second value (operation 1310—Yes) inoperation 1310, the electronic device may perform operation 1315.

When it is determined that the monitored folding angle does not belongto between the first value and the second value (operation 1310—No) inoperation 1310, the electronic device may repeatedly perform operation1305.

In operation 1315, the electronic device may display guide informationon one area of a flexible display (e.g., a display module 160 of FIG. 1). For example, when the monitored folding angle belongs to between thefirst value and the second value, the electronic device may display auser interface (e.g., a user interface 1150 of FIG. 11 ) including guideinformation associated with a folding angle of the electronic device forswitching the execution mode of the application on one area (e.g., asecond area 1161 b of FIG. 11 ) of the flexible display. In anembodiment, the electronic device may further display a user interfaceincluding information that a range of the folding angle for switchingthe execution mode of the application changes on one area of theflexible display.

In operation 1320, the electronic device may determine whether thefolding angle is less than or equal to the second value. For example,after displaying the guide information, the electronic device maycontinuously monitor a folding angle of the electronic device. Theelectronic device may identify whether the monitored folding angle isless than or equal to the second value in real time or depending on aspecified period. It is described that the electronic device determineswhether the folding angle is less than or equal to the second value inoperation 1320, but an embodiment of the disclosure is not limitedthereto. For example, the electronic device may determine whether thefolding angle is less than or equal to the second value and is greaterthan or equal to a third value. For example, the third value may bereferred to as the fourth angle a11-4 (e.g., 80 degrees) of FIG. 11 ,which is described above.

When it is determined that the monitored folding angle is less than orequal to the second value (e.g., operation 1320—Yes) in operation 1320,the electronic device may perform operation 1325. In an embodiment, whenit is determined that the monitored folding angle is less than or equalto the second value and is greater than or equal to the third value, theelectronic device may perform operation 1325.

When it is determined that the monitored folding angle is greater thanthe second value (operation 1320—No) in operation 1320, the electronicdevice may repeatedly perform operation 1315.

In operation 1325, the electronic device may switch an execution mode ofthe application to a first mode. For example, as the range for switchingthe execution mode of the application changes to a second range, theelectronic device may switch the execution mode of the application tothe first mode when the folding angle is less than or equal to thesecond value which is a maximum or a high value in the second range. Itis described that the electronic device switches the execution mode ofthe application to the first mode when the folding angle is less than orequal to the second value in operation 1325, but the electronic devicemay switch the execution mode of the application from the second mode tothe first mode only when the folding angle is less than or equal to thesecond value and is greater than or equal to the third value. Forexample, the third value may be referred to as the fourth angle a11-4(e.g., 80 degrees) of FIG. 11 , which is described above. For example,while executing the application based on the first mode, the electronicdevice may display at least one image obtained using a camera (e.g., acamera module 180 of FIG. 1 , comprising a camera) on a specified area(e.g., a second area 1161 b of FIG. 11 ) of the flexible display. Forexample, the specified area may correspond to an area (e.g., the secondarea 1161 b) including the camera which obtains the at least one imageamong a plurality of areas (e.g., the first area 1161 a and the secondarea 1161 b of FIG. 11 ) where the flexible display is divided based ona folding part (e.g., a folding part 1120 of FIG. 11 ).

FIG. 14 illustrates an operational flowchart 1400 of an electronicdevice, according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., an electronicdevice 101 of FIG. 1 ) may perform operations disclosed in FIG. 14 . Forexample, a processor (e.g., a processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) of theelectronic device may be configured to perform operations of FIG. 14when executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 130 ofFIG. 1 ). In a description of FIG. 14 , which will be described below,the electronic device may generate a reference value (or a referencespeed) of a folding speed for switching an execution mode of anapplication based on the folding speed.

In operation 1405, the electronic device may execute the applicationbased on a first mode. A description of an operation of the electronicdevice which executes the application based on the first mode may bereplaced with the description of FIGS. 12 and 13 , which is describedabove.

In operation 1410, the electronic device may identify a folding angledepending on a second period (e.g., 0.1 seconds). For example, theelectronic device may identify a folding angle depending on a secondperiod, using a sensor circuit (e.g., a sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ).

In operation 1415, the electronic device may determine whether theidentified folding angle belongs a first range (e.g., a first ranges 911or 1011 of FIG. 9 or 10 ). For example, the electronic device maydetermine whether the folding angle identified based on the secondperiod belongs to the first range.

When it is determined that the folding angle belongs to the first range(e.g., operation 1415—Yes) in operation 1415, the electronic device mayrepeatedly perform operation 1410.

When it is determined that the folding angle does not belong to thefirst range (e.g., operation 1415—No) in operation 1415, the electronicdevice may perform operation 1420.

In operation 1420, the electronic device may execute the applicationbased on a second mode. In other words, the electronic device may switchthe execution mode from the first mode to the second mode to execute theapplication.

In operation 1425, the electronic device may calculate a folding speedusing the identified folding angle. For example, the electronic devicemay calculate the folding speed of the electronic device using at leasta portion of the folding angle identified based on the second period inoperation 1410, For example, the folding speed may be referred to as aspeed at which at least a part (e.g., a part corresponding to a firstarea 961 a of FIG. 9 ) of a housing of the electronic device isunfolded. As an example, the electronic device may detect a foldingspeed of at least a part of the housing of the electronic device using asensor circuit (e.g., an accelerator sensor). As another example, thefolding speed may be defined as an angular speed calculated using afolding angle and a time, which are monitored by the electronic device.As an example, the electronic device may monitor a folding angle of theelectronic device using the sensor circuit and may divide the monitoredfolding angle by the monitored time to calculate a folding speed of theelectronic device.

In operation 1430, the electronic device may determine whether thefolding speed is greater than a predetermined speed. For example, thepredetermined speed may be a value set in a stage of producing theelectronic device and may be a setting value changed by manipulation ofa user.

When it is determined that the folding speed is greater than thepredetermined speed (e.g., operation 1430—Yes) in operation 1430, theelectronic device may perform operation 1435.

When it is determined that the folding speed is not greater than thepredetermined speed (e.g., operation 1430—No) in operation 1430, theelectronic device may repeatedly perform operation 1425.

In operation 1435, the electronic device may generate a reference speed.For example, when the folding speed calculated in operation 1425 isgreater than the predetermined speed, the electronic device may generatethe reference speed for switching the execution mode of the application.For example, after generating the reference speed, when it is determinedthat the folding speed identified in real time or according to aspecified period is greater than the reference speed, the electronicdevice may switch the execution mode of the application regardless ofthe folding angle.

FIG. 15 illustrates an operational flowchart 1500 of an electronicdevice, according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., an electronicdevice 101 of FIG. 1 ) may perform operations disclosed in FIG. 15 . Forexample, a processor (e.g., a processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) of theelectronic device may be configured to perform operations of FIG. 15when executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 130 ofFIG. 1 ). An operation of the electronic device according to FIG. 15 maybe referred to as an operation after the operation of FIG. 14 isperformed.

In operation 1505, the electronic device may monitor a folding speed.For example, the electronic device may monitor the folding speed in realtime or depending on a specified period. The description of the foldingspeed and the operation of monitoring the folding speed may be replacedwith the description of FIG. 14 , which is described above.

In operation 1510, the electronic device may determine whether themonitored folding speed is greater than a reference speed. For example,the reference speed may be a reference value generated by the electronicdevice according to the description of FIG. 14 , which is describedabove.

When it is determined that the folding speed is greater than thepredetermined speed (e.g., operation 1510—Yes) in operation 1510, theelectronic device may perform operation 1515.

When it is determined that the folding speed is not greater than thepredetermined speed (e.g., operation 1510—No) in operation 1510, theelectronic device may repeatedly perform operation 1505.

In operation 1515, the electronic device may switch an execution mode ofan application from a first mode to a second mode. For example, in thestate where the application is executed in the first mode, when it isdetermined that the folding speed is greater than the reference speed,the electronic device may switch the execution mode to the second modeand may continue executing the application.

In operation 1520, the electronic device may display guide informationon one area of a flexible display (e.g., a display module 160 of FIG. 1). For example, the electronic device may display a user interfaceincluding information that the execution mode of the application isswitched based on the folding speed, one area of the flexible display.

FIG. 16 illustrates an operational flowchart 1600 of an electronicdevice, according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., an electronicdevice 101 of FIG. 1 ) may perform operations disclosed in FIG. 16 . Forexample, a processor (e.g., a processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) of theelectronic device may be configured to perform operations of FIG. 16when executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 130 ofFIG. 1 ). An operation of the electronic device according to FIG. 16 maybe referred to as an operation after the operation of FIG. 12 and theoperation of FIG. 14 are performed.

In operation 1605, the electronic device may monitor a folding angle ora folding speed in real time or depending on a specified period. Forexample, the electronic device may identify a folding angle of theelectronic device using a sensor circuit (e.g., a sensor module 176 ofFIG. 1 ) and may calculate a folding speed based on the identifiedfolding angle.

In operation 1610, the electronic device may determine whether themonitored folding angle meets a specified condition. The specifiedcondition in operation 1610 may be referred to as whether the foldingangle of the electronic device belongs to a range for switching anexecution mode of an application.

For example, the electronic device may determine whether the monitoredfolding angle belongs to a second range (e.g., a second range 912 or1012 of FIG. 9 or 10 ).

When it is determined that the folding angle meets the specifiedcondition (e.g., operation 1610—Yes) in operation 1610 (e.g., when thefolding angle of the electronic device does not belong to the secondrange), the electronic device may perform operation 1620.

When it is determined that the folding angle does not meet the specifiedcondition (e.g., operation 1610—No) in operation 1610 (e.g., when thefolding angle of the electronic device belongs to the second range), theelectronic device may perform operation 1615.

In operation 1615, the electronic device may determine whether themonitored folding speed meets a specified condition. The specifiedcondition in operation 1615 may be referred to as whether the foldingspeed of the electronic device is greater than a reference speed. Forexample, the electronic device may determine whether the monitoredfolding speed is greater than the reference speed.

When it is determined that the folding speed meets the specifiedcondition (e.g., operation 1615—Yes) in operation 1615, the electronicdevice may perform operation 1620.

When it is determined that the folding speed does not meet the specifiedcondition (e.g., operation 1615—No) in operation 1615, the electronicdevice may repeatedly perform operation 1605.

In operation 1620, the electronic device may switch the execution modeof the application to execute the application. For example, whileexecuting the application based on the first mode, when it is determinedthat the folding angle and/or the folding speed meets the specifiedcondition, the electronic device may switch and execute the executionmode of the application which is being executed to the second mode.

A foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of thedisclosure may include a flexible display, a sensor circuit configuredto detect a folding angle of the foldable electronic device, aprocessor, and a memory operatively connected, directly or indirectly,with the processor. The memory may store instructions, when executed bythe processor, causing the foldable electronic device to execute anapplication based on a first mode, when the folding angle of thefoldable electronic device belongs to a first range, identify thefolding angle depending on a first period using the sensor circuit,while executing the application in the first mode, switch an executionmode of the application from the first mode to a second mode, when theidentified folding angle does not belong to the first range, and changea range for switching the execution mode of the application from thefirst range to a second range using at least a portion of the identifiedfolding angle.

In an embodiment, the instructions may be configured to, when executedby the processor, cause the foldable electronic device to change therange for switching the execution mode of the application from the firstrange to the second range using a maximum or a high value among foldingangles of the foldable electronic device, the folding angles beingidentified while executing the application based on the first mode.

In an embodiment, the foldable electronic device may further include acamera. The application may correspond to a first application configuredto use the camera. The instructions may be configured to, when executedby the processor, cause the foldable electronic device to determine amaximum or a high value in the second range as a second value less thana first value corresponding to a maximum or a high value in the firstrange.

In an embodiment, the instructions may be configured to, when executedby the processor, cause the foldable electronic device to monitor afolding angle of the foldable electronic device using the sensor circuitand display guide information associated with a folding angle of thefoldable electronic device for switching the execution mode of theapplication on one area of the flexible display, when the monitoredfolding angle belongs to between the first value and the second value.

In an embodiment, the foldable electronic device may further include afolding part and a first area and a second area of the flexible display,the first area and the second area being divided by the folding part.The instructions may be configured to, when executed by the processor,cause the foldable electronic device to display at least one imageobtained using the camera on the second area, while executing the firstapplication based on the first mode.

In an embodiment, the foldable electronic device may further include acamera. The application may correspond to a second applicationconfigured not to use the camera. The instructions may be configured to,when executed by the processor, cause the foldable electronic device todetermine a maximum value in the second range as a third value greaterthan a first value corresponding to a maximum value in the first range.

In an embodiment, the instructions may be configured to, when executedby the processor, cause the foldable electronic device to monitor afolding angle of the foldable electronic device using the sensorcircuit, while executing the application in the second mode, and switchthe execution mode of the application from the second mode to the firstmode, when the monitored folding angle is included in the second range.

In an embodiment, the instructions may be configured to, when executedby the processor, cause the foldable electronic device to switch theexecution mode of the application from the first mode to the secondmode, when a folding angle identified according to the first period doesnot belong to the first range, identify a folding angle of the foldableelectronic device depending on a second period, using the sensorcircuit, calculate a folding speed of the foldable electronic deviceusing at least a portion of the identified folding angle, and generate areference speed to switch the execution mode of the application, whenthe calculated folding speed is greater than a predetermined speed.

In an embodiment, the instructions may be configured to, when executedby the processor, cause the foldable electronic device to monitor afolding speed of the foldable electronic device using the sensor circuitwhile executing the application based on the first mode and switch theexecution mode of the application from the first mode to the secondmode, when the monitored folding speed is greater than the referencespeed.

In an embodiment, the instructions may be configured to, when executedby the processor, cause the foldable electronic device to displayinformation associated with switching the execution mode of theapplication based on the folding speed on one area of the flexibledisplay.

A method for executing an application in a foldable electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure may include executing theapplication based on a first mode, when a folding angle of the foldableelectronic device belongs to a first range, identifying the foldingangle depending on a first period using a sensor circuit included in thefoldable electronic device, while executing the application in the firstmode, switching an execution mode of the application from the first modeto a second mode, when the identified folding angle does not belong tothe first range, and changing a range for switching the execution modeof the application from the first range to a second range using at leasta portion of the identified folding angle.

In an embodiment, the changing of the range for switching the executionmode of the application from the first range to the second range usingthe at least a portion of the identified folding angle may includechanging the range for switching the execution mode of the applicationfrom the first range to the second range using a maximum value amongfolding angles of the foldable electronic device, the folding anglesbeing identified while executing the application based on the firstmode.

In an embodiment, the application may correspond to a first applicationconfigured to use a camera included in the foldable electronic device.The changing of the range for switching the execution mode of theapplication from the first range to the second range using the at leasta portion of the identified folding angle may include determining amaximum value in the second range as a second value less than a firstvalue corresponding to a maximum value in the first range.

In an embodiment, the method for executing the application in thefoldable electronic device may further include monitoring a foldingangle of the foldable electronic device using the sensor circuit anddisplaying guide information associated with a folding angle of thefoldable electronic device for switching the execution mode of theapplication on one area of a flexible display included in the foldableelectronic device, when the monitored folding angle belongs to betweenthe first value and the second value.

In an embodiment, the method for executing the application in thefoldable electronic device may further include displaying at least oneimage obtained using the camera on a second area of a flexible displayincluded in the foldable electronic device, while executing the firstapplication based on the first mode.

In an embodiment, the application may correspond to a second applicationconfigured not to use a camera included in the foldable electronicdevice. The changing of the range for switching the execution mode ofthe application from the first range to the second range using the atleast a portion of the identified folding angle may further includedetermining a maximum value in the second range as a third value greaterthan a first value corresponding to a maximum value in the first range.

In an embodiment, the method for executing the application in thefoldable electronic device may further include monitoring a foldingangle of the foldable electronic device using the sensor circuit, whileexecuting the application in the second mode and switching the executionmode of the application from the second mode to the first mode, when themonitored folding angle is included in the second range.

In an embodiment, the method for executing the application in thefoldable electronic device may further include switching the executionmode of the application from the first mode to the second mode, when afolding angle identified according to the first period does not belongto the first range, identifying a folding angle of the foldableelectronic device depending on a second period, using the sensorcircuit, calculating a folding speed of the foldable electronic deviceusing at least a portion of the identified folding angle, and generatinga reference speed to switch the execution mode of the application, whenthe calculated folding speed is greater than a predetermined speed.

In an embodiment, the method for executing the application in thefoldable electronic device may further include monitoring a foldingspeed of the foldable electronic device using the sensor circuit whileexecuting the application based on the first mode and switching theexecution mode of the application from the first mode to the secondmode, when the monitored folding speed is greater than the referencespeed.

In an embodiment, the method for executing the application in thefoldable electronic device may further include displaying informationassociated with switching the execution mode of the application based onthe folding speed on one area of the flexible display.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with referenceto various embodiments, it will be understood that the variousembodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It willfurther be understood by those skilled in the art that various changesin form and detail may be made without departing from the true spiritand full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims andtheir equivalents. It will also be understood that any of theembodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any otherembodiment(s) described herein.

1. A foldable electronic device, comprising: a flexible display; asensor configured to detect a folding angle of the foldable electronicdevice; a processor; and a memory operatively connected with theprocessor, wherein the memory stores instructions, and the processor isconfigured to cause the foldable electronic device to: execute anapplication based on a first mode, when the folding angle of thefoldable electronic device belongs to a first range; identify thefolding angle based on a first period using the sensor, while theapplication is in the first mode; switch the application from the firstmode to a second mode, when the identified folding angle does not belongto the first range; and change a range for switching an execution modeof the application to a second range, different from the first range,using at least a portion of the identified folding angle.
 2. Thefoldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor isconfigured to cause the foldable electronic device to: change the rangefor switching the execution mode of the application from the first rangeto the second range based on a maximum value among folding anglesidentified when the application is in the first mode.
 3. The foldableelectronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a camera, wherein theapplication includes a first application configured to use the camera,and wherein the processor is configured to cause the foldable electronicdevice to: determine a maximum value in the second range as a secondvalue less than a first value corresponding to a maximum value in thefirst range.
 4. The foldable electronic device of claim 3, wherein theprocessor is configured to cause the foldable electronic device to:monitor a folding angle of the foldable electronic device based on thesensor; and display guide information associated with a folding angle ofthe foldable electronic device for switching the execution mode of theapplication on an area of the flexible display, when the monitoredfolding angle is between the first value and the second value.
 5. Thefoldable electronic device of claim 3, further comprising: a foldingpart, wherein the flexible display includes a first area and a secondarea divided by the folding part, and wherein the processor isconfigured to cause the foldable electronic device to: display a userinterface associated with controlling the camera on the first area anddisplay at least one image obtained via the camera on the second area,when the first application is in the first mode.
 6. The foldableelectronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a camera, wherein theapplication corresponds to at least a second application configured notto use the camera, and wherein the processor is configured to cause thefoldable electronic device to: determine a maximum value in the secondrange as a third value greater than a first value corresponding to amaximum value in the first range.
 7. The foldable electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is configured to cause the foldableelectronic device to: monitor a folding angle of the foldable electronicdevice via the sensor, when the application is in the second mode; andswitch the execution mode of the application from the second mode to thefirst mode, based on the monitored folding angle being in the secondrange.
 8. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is configured to cause the foldable electronic device to:identify a folding angle of the foldable electronic device based on asecond period different from the first period when switching theexecution mode of the application from the first mode to the secondmode, when the folding angle identified according to the first perioddoes not belong to the first range; calculate a folding speed of thefoldable electronic device using at least a portion of the folding angleidentified according to the second period; and generate a referencespeed used to switch the execution mode of the application, when thecalculated folding speed is greater than a predetermined speed.
 9. Thefoldable electronic device of claim 8, wherein the processor isconfigured to cause the foldable electronic device to: monitor a foldingspeed of the foldable electronic device via the sensor while executingthe application based on the first mode; and switch the execution modeof the application from the first mode to the second mode, based on themonitored folding speed being greater than the reference speed.
 10. Thefoldable electronic device of claim 9, wherein the processor isconfigured to cause the foldable electronic device to: displayinformation associated with switching the execution mode of theapplication based on the folding speed on an area of the flexibledisplay.
 11. A method for executing an application in a foldableelectronic device including a display, the method comprising: executingthe application based on a first mode, when a folding angle of thefoldable electronic device is in a first range; identifying the foldingangle based on a first period using a sensor circuit included in thefoldable electronic device, while executing the application in the firstmode; switching the application from the first mode to a second mode,when the identified folding angle is not in the first range; andchanging a range for switching an execution mode of the application to asecond range, different from the first range, using at least a portionof the identified folding angle.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thechanging of the range for switching the execution mode of theapplication from the first range to the second range using the at leasta portion of the identified folding angle includes: changing the rangefor switching the execution mode of the application from the first rangeto the second range using a maximum value among folding anglesidentified while executing the application in the first mode.
 13. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the application includes a first applicationconfigured to use a camera included in the foldable electronic device,and wherein the changing of the range for switching the execution modeof the application from the first range to the second range using the atleast a portion of the identified folding angle includes: determining amaximum and/or high value in the second range as a second value lessthan a first value corresponding to a maximum value in the first range.14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: monitoring a foldingangle of the foldable electronic device using the sensor circuit; anddisplaying guide information associated with a folding angle of thefoldable electronic device for switching the execution mode of theapplication on an area of the display included in the foldableelectronic device, when the monitored folding angle belongs to betweenthe first value and the second value, and wherein the display comprisesa flexible display.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising:displaying a user interface associated with controlling the camera on afirst area of the display and displaying at least one image obtainedusing the camera on a second area of the display included in thefoldable electronic device, while executing the first application basedon the first mode, wherein the display comprises a flexible display.